ncpilot

As a follow up, I finally got a reply from logmein regarding port usage. "Hello Marc, The LogMeIn program does not use port 80 for anything, it uses 2002 and 443. Thanks, Free LogMeIn Customer Support"

There is no port configuration at all... I'm using Zonealarm firewall along with a router, and there is zero configuration involved. I have experienced no noticable delay between moving my mouse on the host screen as it appears on my local computer, and the actual movement on the screen. Of course, this assumes hi speed internet. I've got pretty consistent 2.5-3 Mbps down, and probably about 345k up. So the real speed limitation is the upload. I've linked up to 2 remote computers, and to my own computer from work, and I saw no lag in mouse movement. You really should read the white paper (I posted link earlier) on all the security measures used, and how logmein functions in general. Even if someone physically broke into their servers, there's no way they could compromise anyone's computers. No login information like passwords are stored on their servers. [edit] Let me add, that even if you set up logmein on 2 computers next to each other, the only way you can connect to the host, is if the host sends you an invitation, you then must click on the invitation link in your email in order to attach. Once you've done this, you can add that host computer to your list of possible hosts...

Full view of the desktop as it appears on the host computer... If you have 2 computers at home, try it out...

I guess the point would be that I could use any computer anywhere in the world that has internet access, and has either IE or FF, and connect to a remote computer, without needing to have any software preloaded. At most the browser might load a plugin, just like it loads media player plugins, or adobe plugins. I wouldn't have to carry media with VNC on it... or go to a website so I could download, then install, then configure it... If you're ALWAYS at your work computer, or ALWAYS carry around your laptop that has VNC on it, then there's no problem connecting to a remote system. Otherwise, I like the ability, if ever needed, to be able to go to my PC on any browser available. I can move to 10 different computers at work if I wanted, and by simply opening a browser, and going to the logmein site and logging in, I can access my home computer. I'd say that's a pretty good marketing idea. But whatever, it's obvious you've made up your mind...

The logmein home site has several "white papers" available, one of which discusses security issues at length, and the exact way that logmein works. https://secure.logmein.com/wp_lmi_security.pdf I believe samjade is correct.. if I understand, logmein establishes a connection with the logmein hosting service, so it is not acting as a server on the local machine, it is not listening on any ports--it has an active connection with a computer at logmein's facility. I don't think both of you can be either right or wrong at the same time... so I will take it on as my personal mission to find out the definitive answer about port 80... To be continued...

From everything I've read, the low end Core 2 Duo spanks the high end Pentium D 9xx series with no problem at all... and there are Dell's available with Intel. I was on their site yesterday looking at options...

Maybe you could enclose it in something decorative that doesn't look out of place on a condo balcony... Take a close look at other balconies, are there any items that a camera would fit in? Put a fake flower in a pot, and hide the camera inside... etc...

You probably can't mount anything on the railing either...

That's exactly what I was going to suggest. The issue of condo regulations and common property "modifications" comes up all the time in the home theater forums with regard to satellite dishes and antennas... Many have successfully put dishes on their patio with a cement type base for stability. A camera weighs much less, and doesn't provide nearly the surface area to catch wind...

Where do you get the notion that your PC's info is on a web database? It looks to me like logmein accesses the normal login screen of your computer, under the control of your computer, as if you required login on your own PC. At no time do you have to give logmein your personal PC login information, you only tell it to require login at the PC level--in addition to the first login into the program. So now explain to me how you have remote web access to cameras through a product like Geo or Video Insight if you don't have a server sitting on the computer listening on multiple open ports? Is that safer than logmein?

I've used logmein several times to help people out (non-cctv related)... It uses 256 bit SSL encryption all the time, and you can require a second login on the target computer before gaining access, so it's quite secure... The nicest parts are 1) Free 2) Very easy web-based use, essentially no setup involved 3) Encrypted

Damn! The price of living in paradise can be high...

I've used logmein, great free product... didn't think of that...

Yes! A non-Geo question... Thought I'd post here in case others might find it of interest, rather than go direct to Video Insight support. I have just read the entire 3.0 manual--both User Guide and Setup, and have a few questions. 1) Can I change server configuration remotely without the Enterprise Manager? What does it require if anything. Or do I have to BUY the Enterprise Manager? 2) If I have a VJ60 card (so I know I've got 30 fps per camera group), and set to record with motion only, and I have 2 cameras in the same group, both specified for 30 fps--what happens if both detect motion? Is the FPS divided? Or if one detects before the other, what FPS will the 2nd camera have? 3) If I want to record time lapse, say one frame every 10 minutes, AND have max FPS motion detection, then the only way is to set up an Event Trigger in the Task Manager for Motion? (the per camera recording settings have a single "recording type", only one of which can be selected: On, Off, or Motion) I have spoken with several people at Video Insight a few times in the past several months (Jessica and Linda most recently), and have uniformly been impressed with their willingness to speak candidly with me on many topics--pretty good considering I have not yet purchased their product...

Interesting comment... What about a "regular" dome, not VR, how would they compare to a bullet cam? I'm just finishing up a labeled overhead view of my house, with potential cam locations, distances, problem spots, etc... For walkways up to entrances, I was thinking a B&W dome, for both resolution and low profile, seems it wouldn't be quite as noticeable as a bullet cam? And for you, "budget" pricing level would be?